The race for AI talent isn’t theoretical anymore: it’s happening in real time, in job postings, cross-border relocations, and high-stakes boardroom discussions. The companies that crack the code on AI hiring will shape the future of their industries. The ones that don’t? They’ll be left behind.
The demand is undeniable: AI job postings are growing 3.5 times faster than the overall market, and 86% of employers expect AI to transform their business models. But hiring AI talent isn’t like hiring software engineers or data scientists of a decade ago. This is a different workforce with different priorities, and most companies haven’t caught up.
So what do AI professionals really want? To find out, Semafor and G42 surveyed 750 AI professionals in the United States, all working in the tech industry or in technology/IT departments. These respondents — all over the age of 18 and already handling AI-related responsibilities — are shaping the future of AI today. The results challenge conventional hiring wisdom: yes, compensation matters — but not as much as the ability to work on cutting-edge projects, the freedom to experiment, and the sense that their work is shaping something bigger.
This report offers more than just hiring trends. It’s a blueprint for the companies that want to win the AI talent race — before it’s too late.
Click on the link below to download and read the full report.
